The Bridgestone brand was founded in 1931 in Japan by Shōjirō Ishibashi. Its name, derived from the literal translation of “Ishibashi” (“stone bridge”), reflects the ambition to create tyres capable of supporting the rapid developments in the automotive sector. From its beginnings, the company has been producing tyres by integrating Japanese technology, with the aim of standing out from European and North American manufacturers.
- From the 1950s, Bridgestone modernised its sites and became the first company to market spoked tyres. Its turnover increased significantly, placing the brand at the forefront of the tyre industry in Japan.
- In the 1970s, the company invested heavily in research into radial tyres, notably launching the Super Filler Radial (1978) and the Potenza (1979), a tyre focused on high automotive performance.
- As part of its international expansion, Bridgestone acquired factories in Australia, invested in a manufacturer in Taiwan and established operations in Indonesia, Iran, and then in many other countries. In 1988, the Group bought Firestone, thereby strengthening its global presence.
- With the opening of factories and R&D centres in various countries, Bridgestone expanded its range of tyres for passenger cars, lorries and commercial vehicles. The first Bridgestone radial tyre appeared in 1967, supporting improvements in durability and driving comfort.
- In 2016, the brand launched the DriveGuard tyre, designed to be driven even in the event of pressure loss. Its “Cooling Fin” technology allows drivers to keep control of the vehicle during a puncture, for up to 80 km at 80 km/h.
- Today, the company ranks among the largest tyre manufacturers, with a turnover placing it second worldwide. In Europe, its headquarters has been established in Belgium since 1972, complemented by several factories and a 32-hectare research centre near Rome.
Beyond marketing its tyres, Bridgestone continues its development strategy through targeted acquisitions, relying on its philosophy: to provide superior quality products to support automotive mobility around the world. Thanks to its technological heritage and industrial dynamism, the brand has become one of the leading players in the tyre market, contributing to vehicle safety and performance in many regions.
